الفهرس 
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Abstract
A significant number of natural products (NP) were discovered,
isolated and identified from plant and animal sources and used as drugs
in the last three decades. Butler (2008) reviewed 100 NP and NPderived
compounds and 33 Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) with a
NP-derived cytotoxic component being evaluated in clinical trials or in
registration at the end of 2013. Thirty eight of these compounds and 33
ADCs are being investigated as potential oncology treatments, 26 as
anti-infectives, 19 for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic
diseases, 11 for inflammatory and related diseases and 6 for neurology.
Liver is the most important organ in the body and plays a pivotal
role in regulating various physiological processes. It is also involved in
several vital functions such as metabolism, secretion, storage and
detoxification [Opoku et al., 2007; Ibrahim et al., 2008; Sharma et al.,
2012].
Liver disease is any condition that may cause liver inflammation
or tissue damage and affects liver function. Liver disorders are mainly
caused by substances like paracetamol, rifampicin, carbon tetrachloride,
heavy metals, pesticides, virus and consumption of alcohol in excess
quantity [Priya et al., 2010; Meganathan et al., 2011; Sharma et al.,
2012; Saleem & Naseer, 2014]. Most of the hepatotoxic chemicals
damage liver cells mainly by inhibiting the antioxidant enzymes.
Annually about 25,000 deaths occurred worldwide due to liver diseases
[Sharma & Sharma, 2010]. Conventional drugs used in the treatment of
Introduction
[Randa A. Mohamed, 2017] Page 2
liver diseases are sometimes inadequate and can have serious adverse
effects [Arhoghro et al., 2009; Swarnalatha & Neelakanta, 2012; Akhtar
et al., 2015; Smith & Adanlawo, 2015]. So there is a worldwide trend to
search for supplementation/ alternative and natural drugs for the
treatment of hepatic damage. To address this matter of urgency,
researchers and pharmaceutical companies have to revive efforts to
develop completely new classes of pharmaceuticals from natural
sources.